Today the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community donated its 800th automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Community Action Partnership (CAP Agency) of Scott, Carver, and Dakota Counties. Tribal officials joined CAP Agency representatives to celebrate this milestone donation in the year that also marks the 10-year anniversary of the tribe’s first AED donations.
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) has donated AEDs to tribes, schools, police and fire departments, nonprofits, and other organizations across Minnesota and the nation. Each AED is valued at approximately $1,450.
“Our AED donations are part of the SMSC’s commitment to helping our neighbors,” said SMSC Chairman Charlie Vig. “We also have a strong history of service and donations to the CAP Agency, so it is very fitting that they receive this 800th AED.”
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Since 2004, at least 25 lives have been saved by law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel using SMSC-donated AEDs; 12 of those saves took place in Scott County. Many more lives have been saved by the SMSC’s first responders using the 27 AEDs located around the reservation and its enterprises. All security officers at Mystic Lake and Little Six casinos receive first responder and AED training before they ever begin work.
AEDs are used to apply a lifesaving shock to an individual whose heart has stopped beating and is the only known therapy for most sudden cardiac arrests.
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How to apply for an AED donation
Organizations in need of an AED that meet the criteria below may download an application form at www.mdfire.org or send a written request to the Mdewakanton LIFE Program, which administers the SMSC’s AED donations:
Mdewakanton Public Safety
Attn: Mdewakanton LIFE Program
2330 Sioux Trail NW
Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372
Priority is given to American Indian tribes in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin; first response agencies; and governmental agencies. Because of the extensive need and large volume of requests, agencies serving less than 50 clients, churches outside of Scott County, and nonprofit organizations outside of the five-state area are not currently eligible for consideration.
